PC managed networked audio bell/intercom system

Abstract

A method, storage medium, and system for a managed audio bell / intercom including a controller and audio devices connected by an industry standardized network, wherein the controller contains logic to distribute action via the network to the audio devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 963,824 filed on Dec. 22, 2007 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 974,445 filed Oct. 27, 2004, of which both applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to intercom / bell systems, specifically to such technologies to provide automation and control of audio across such systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Known systems for providing scheduled zone audio for school bells, factory bells, and other applications require the use of proprietary devices and cabling. The most common existing systems use electronic timers to schedule the activation of relays at scheduled times. The timers activate a relay at scheduled times which completes a circuit and allows power to be sent through to electronic bell devices. There are several disadvantages to this solution. First, the el...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a bell system that can communicate with different components using standard network architectures, making it easier to use and less dependent on proprietary networks. The system can also play different tones or sounds to signify different types of events, allowing for additional meanings. It can be configured without extensive training, assistance, or expensive technicians. The system allows bells and audio to be scheduled and targeted to specific locations, without requiring additional expensive and complicated wiring. It also allows synchronization of bells across multiple buildings, alleviating the problem of bells sounding at different times when the intention was for them to sound in unison."

Problems solved by technology

First, the electronic timers are very difficult to program and require a technician with special training to program the schedules.

Second, the system only allows a single bell or tone sound to be played.

There is no capability to trigger an individual device with the electronic time, unless a separate circuit is created for each bell device.

This system has similar disadvantages to the first system.

It is not possible to send audio to a specific speaker or audio device, unless a separate cable is ran to the amplifier for each device.

This may also lead to timers becoming unsynchronized, which will result in bells playing at different times than expected.

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